10 steps to ensure smooth removals

Even when you’re using a professional removals firm, come Move Day, there’ll be some jobs with your name on them too. Here are some key ones not to miss.

1. Book enough time off work

When it comes to booking days off work, never underestimate how much time and energy a Move will require. Take at least one day’s holiday before or after Move Day – and be sure to put your ‘out of office’ on. Finally, warn your boss that completion, and therefore the day of your Move, could be subject to change.

Get your free removals quote

Start with the AnyVan online tool which provides an estimated cost based on factors such as move date, distance and the size of your current property.

2. Get the lowdown from the removals company

Make sure you and your chosen removals company are on the same page before Move Day arrives. Give them a call and make a note of the answer to these key questions.

3. Do a key sweep

Round up all the keys to the home you are leaving – think family, neighbours, cleaners – and leave them with a note for the next occupant. Then see if you can pin the estate agent down with a time the keys to your new home will be available to collect.

Once you’ve moved in, get the locks changed immediately – or better still, arrange a security assessment.

4. Organise care for children and pets

Ask someone to look after your children and pets on Move Day – or book cats and dogs into a cattery or kennel.

5. Make sure your furniture will fit

It’s the responsibility of the removals company to get your furniture from A to B – but it’s up to you to check that it fits into your next home. Leave time to take measurements and check which furniture can be dismantled and how large each piece will be.

6. Pack a ‘basics box’ and overnight bag

A lot of stress can be taken out of removals day by packing a box of essentials such as kettle, a couple of mugs, teabags, some cutlery, loo roll, painkillers and your phone charger.

You should also pack an overnight bag for the first night or so, including clothes, wash things and bedding. Remember to store these essentials somewhere safe and easy to locate, such as in your car.

7. Get a deep clean of your new home

Unless you can be sure of the condition of the place you’re moving into, paying for commercial cleaners will be money well spent. If you can make the timings work, get this done before you move your furniture in.

8. Do a final check

Go around the property you’re leaving ensuring the place is in the condition agreed in the contract – including all fixtures and fittings. Leave instruction manuals for any appliances you’re leaving behind in a safe place. Finally, check, check and check again to ensure you’ve not left anything behind.

9. Take meter readings

Before you leave, take a photo with your phone of your old gas and electricity meter so you have a reading that’s bang up-to-date. And try to remember to do the same when you arrive at your new home.

10. Put some thought in to the unpacking

Don’t unpack haphazardly. You’re hopefully going to be in your new home for some time, so you don’t have to do everything on day one – or even week one.

Work from the essentials outwards. For example, you might want to unpack the kitchen first, given you are likely to use this room the most, followed by the bathroom and then bedrooms.

Get your free removals quote

Start with the AnyVan online tool which provides an estimated cost based on factors such as move date, distance and the size of your current property.

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